Chris Bunton

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Building Faith

You can grow your faith

The Bible says ".For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.---(Eph.2:8-10)

Now let's rightly divide this verse. (2 Tim. 2:15)

First, we are saved by Grace. Period. It is a gift from God, which we need to turn to Him to accept. We just need to ask. Just call on His name. Just confess Him as Lord. (Acts 2:21, Romans 10:9-10)

We do this through faith, not by works.

When we get saved God will work in us and through us to do the works he desires.

Now, the focus of this writing is Faith.

We are not saved by faith. We are saved by Grace.

See, faith can fall into a works based category.

People will say, "You don't have enough faith."

Even Jesus said, "Where is your faith?" ( Luke 8:25)

Understand that faith is a medium. It is a bridge. It's like a phone line.

You can put faith in a rock. But that rock can't save you.

You can call 911. But, if the phone line is cut. No one is coming.

Understand?

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)

We do not see something, but we still believe and trust it because we have evidence. In God's case, that evidence has been given to us.

This is faith, and faith in something.

We have faith the sun will rise. We have faith that our job will be there in the morning. We have faith that the chair we sit in will hold us.

We have no proof. It doesn't have to happen. But we trust and believe anyway.

This is natural faith.

All humans have a measure of faith. How could we believe if we didn't? (Romans 12:3)

But, not all people have faith in God, or Jesus Christ as Lord. (2 Thess.3:2)

Faith can be grown and strengthened.

We have faith our phone will work. That faith has grown over years of experiencing its working. If our phone never worked we would not trust it.

It's the same with God.

Our faith grows, because we have seen Him move.

The more we see Him move, the more our faith grows. It grows till we KNOW...He is real and a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)

The first thing is that you need to be saved. You need to hear His call, and turn to Him. Asking Him to save you and confessing Jesus as your Lord. (If you're reading this, then this is God calling you.)

You must be saved. You must be born again. That makes you a clean vessel for the Holy Spirit to come and inhabit. Ask Him to fill you. (John 3:1-8, Romans 10:9-10, Luke 11:11-13, Rom, 8::28)

Now once you are saved, the little bit of natural faith you have can be made new and strengthened in the Lord as He sanctifies you, and you walk with Him.

Once you're saved the Holy Spirit can take that little spark and build on it.

See?

You must believe, before anything can happen.

So, let's look at ways faith builds.

The Word of God.

The Bible says, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.." (Romans 10:17)

That means that we get saved and grow our faith in God, Jesus and spiritual things by hearing preaching that comes from the Word, and by reading the Word, or getting the Word in other ways.

BUT...

And this is most important. You must believe or be willing to believe. You must desire to know God. This comes by hearing the call and turning to Him. If you refuse to believe, nothing can happen. Unless God just hits you, like He did Paul. (Acts)

Years ago I heard a preacher preaching some things I didn't agree with.

I set out to prove the him wrong. But, what I found was that I could not PROVE, it wrong.

What the Bible said was just as plausible as anything else. It was not crazy.

So I prayed and talked with God, and said, "I will believe Your Word. I don't care how crazy people think I am. I will believe your Word. Not what the world says."

See?

You must believe it. You must trust IT and the God who speaks it.

Like James said, "not being hearers only..."(James 1:22)

We put our faith in the Lord and His promises. Our faith grows as we trust His Word, and act on it.

This is why faith itself has an aspect of effort, or works.

We are saved by grace. But, faith is a bridge that connects us to God. This bridge is built by God and maintained by God. But, we also can and need to work and maintain it.

We are called to abide. (John 15:4)

You cannot abide without faith. (Heb. 11:6)

So we listen to preachers preaching the real Word. We read the Word. But, we can also quote the Word to ourselves.

We quote God's promises to ourselves, and we trust it. Then, we see God move and fulfill His promise and our faith grows stronger.

Memorize God's promises. Believe them. Trust them. Say them out loud to yourself, and your faith will be emboldened.

Let's say you are facing trouble at work. Speak out loud to yourself "No weapon formed against me shall prosper...: (Isa. 54:17) Trust it. Believe it. Stand on it. Then, see God move as you trust Him. It might not be what you think, or want, but watch and see. Speak it in Jesus' name.

Let's say trouble is coming, Speak out loud to yourself "The Word says! The Lord is faithful, He shall establish me, and keep me from evil. I believe it! I stand on it! Begone Satan in Jesus Name!"(2 Thess. 3:3)

Faith comes by hearing. You hear the truth of God's Word, when you quote verses out loud.

See?

"Taste and see that the Lord is good..."(Psalm 34:8)

We put a little faith in Him and His promises, and we see Him move. Then our faith grows, and we draw closer to Him.

You cannot see glorious things if you are not first willing to believe that glorious things are possible. Then, when you see it, your belief in glorious things grows, and your doubts get weaker.

If they won't believe the little things. They cannot see the big things. (Luke 16:10-12)

We trust God's Word. His promises. And God proves it to us. Then our faith grows.

You must also realize that Jesus Christ is the Living Word. So when you trust and believe in the Word. You are in essence trusting Jesus.

But, do not make the Bible an idol. Trust the Lord, He is the Word.

Giving

Giving is a means by which our faith can grow.

God's Word gives us many promises regarding giving. (Luke 6:38, Mal 3:10)

It is almost like an exact exchange. You can literally see these promises being fulfilled.

The Word says to give to The Lord and to help people, and God will give back.

I have trusted this and obeyed, and literally watched as it all came back to me by the end of the day, and the blessings continued beyond that.

This is not "Prosperity Gospel" as some claim. These are promises of God. It is not a get rich quick scheme.We obey and see Him move, and our faith grows.

"Give and it shall be given unto you..." is a promise, and when you believe and obey, you will see it return and your faith will grow.

Fear Not.

The Lord commands us over and over to "fear not" (Isa 41:10)

His Word is full of promises to protect us.

When we trust Him, we see His protection. We see Him move. We feel encouraged. And our faith grows.

God does not expect us to have blind faith. He proves it over time.

This is abiding. This is the relationship.

When we trust Him, and believe Him.

This is how you fill your lamp with the oil of faith.

Because you see Him move and it embolden you to trust Him more. And you let your lamp shine, because you no longer fear. Lamps without oil are useless, and are removed. (Matthew 25:1-13,)

But, what about all those people in the world without Bibles, in China, North Korea and Islamic countries?

Well, if they are saved, then they have the Holy Spirit, the same as any other believer. That Spirit teaches them, the same as any believer. They move in love with faith, and God brings it back and proves it.

They trust God, through the trials of life and persecution, and He proves He is there. They trust His presence.

They pray and He moves.

Just like us.

Everything I am saying here is very important. But even more so as we see that His return grows closer.

We want to make sure we are abiding. We want to make sure we have faith. We want to make sure we have oil in our lamps and are saved, clothed in His righteousness ready for the feast.

(Matt. 25:1-13, Matt. 22:11-14)

There are Christians, who have never known Christ. They have never put their faith in Him. They have no oil. They have no garment washed in the Blood.

When the time comes, they will be led astray and join the Apostate church. They will beat the men servants and maidservants with persecution, helping the Anti-Christ.( Matt.24:48-5, Rev. 13:7-8)

They are not saved. They never were. They are false brethren, false teachers and prophets.

Grace was offered, but they put their faith in themselves, and their works. They never really believed.

Therefore, they never knew Him. (Matthew 7:23)

Trust God. Let Him grow you and fill you. Strengthen your faith.

He will. Just ask.

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Bio: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet and blogger from Southern Illinois. He has published in several magazines, and has written a poetry eBook called “Against the Man” and an Addiction Recovery eBook called “Made Free: Overcoming Addiction“ His newest book is called “The Future is Coming” and is a collection of dystopian short stories.

Follow Him on Medium: https://chris-bunton.medium.com/

Read His Spiritual Writings on Blogger: https://chrisbunton.blogspot.com/

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Friday, July 19, 2024

Wisdom From God

Wisdom From God

The Wisdom Of This World Is Foolishness With God

Something that needs to be understood is the explanation of wisdom.

There's a worldly wisdom and a wisdom that comes from God. ( 1 Cor. 3:18-23)

There's knowledge and there's understanding. (Col. 1:9, 1 John 5:20, Rev. 13:18, Hebrews 5:11-14)

Have you ever met someone who was book smart, but had no common sense?

That's the difference between knowledge and worldly wisdom.

You gain knowledge by studying and learning. You gain wordly wisdom by living. Street smarts so to speak.

Earthly understanding is when you can apply both of these things and know how they connect and can use them properly.

Look at a mechanic. He might learn a lot about cars from books and classes. That's knowledge.

He might be able to repair a car with ease because he has done it over and over.

When he was a kid, he was under the car with his dad getting told to hold the light straight. That's wisdom.

He can manufacture, and build you a functioning engine, because he understands how it works. He knows how the whole thing goes together. That's understanding.

Now, we apply these same concepts to spiritual things. Because earthly knowledge, is not the same as heavenly knowledge. (John 3:9-12)

Worldly wisdom is not spiritual wisdom. God's ways are not our ways. Man's ways are foolishness with God. (1 Cor. 3:18-23)

"Give and it shall be given unto you..." This is a spiritual truth from Jesus. (Luke 6:38, Matthew 6:19-20)

But this is not earthly truth. Earthly truth says "horde, because tough times are coming."

Earthly wisdom says "Don't give money to that person, they might not use it right."

I'm not saying we shouldn't save for a rainy day. I'm pointing out the difference between earthly and spiritual wisdom. There are many spiritual truths which contradict the earthly. The world says we should fear things. God says we should trust Him instead. The world says to get revenge. God says "Revenge is mine" (Rom. 12;19)

Humans are fallen. We cannot see or understand the ways of the Spirit. We are born into this world where it makes sense to save up for a rainy day. We know there are lots of rainy days in life. It's a fact.

This is why we must battle in ourselves, and let our faith grow, so we can really trust God. We trust him by doing the crazy things that go against worldly wisdom. This leads us to see that He is there, and we can trust Him even more. But, if we are not faithful in the little things, then how can He trust us with the bigger spiritual truths, or more faith? How can we walk if we won't take our first steps? (Luke 16:10, Gal. 5:17)

Understanding of spiritual things comes through the Holy Spirit, and your willingness to let Him work in your life.

And that's the key.

The beginning, is to hear God's call. Realize you need Him. Believe Him, and turn to Him.

In Proverbs, it says "the beginning of wisdom is to fear God." (Proverbs 9:10)

You cannot "fear" Him, if you don't believe and hear Him. Your "fear" causes you to realize your need for Him and turn to Him. (Or Not)

When you know Him. You will understand what it means to "fear" Him.

It is not a worldly, fleshly, demonic fear. It is higher.

You must realize that you do not know everything. You need Him. You need to learn and grow. You cannot learn till you admit you do not know.

The wise of this world, think they know it all. They think they have it all figured out. They gather with others who think they know it all, and pat each other on the back. (Rom. 1:22, 1 Cor. 1:19-20, 1 Cor. 10:12)

They surround themselves with "Yes, Men" and do not listen to views outside their little circle. They will never grow or hear or learn.

That's worldly wisdom. They are the ones who doubt spiritual things. They explain away miracles. They destroy beliefs in anything that doesn't match their Godless explanations of reality. Even if they include God, He is distant and able to be controlled by them. They believe He follows the rules they have made for Him.

Satan uses them, like he used the magicians in Pharoah's court and the Wiseman of Babylon, to cause doubt and keep people from knowing God. Those same wizards, magi, and alchemists, exist today. There is nothing new under the sun. (Eccl chapter 1, Exodus Chapter 7, Daniel)

The Professors, Doctors, Scientists and even Religious leaders all hold each other accountable to the doctrines and learning they have built up. It's called peer review. They will not hardly allow anything new to be discussed. It's pride. They cannot accept that they do not know it all.

We can see this over and over again. Back in the past, a man named Ignaz Philipp Semmelweis said that doctors should wash their hands to help prevent infection. He was attacked by the establishment. They used to practice blood letting of patients, as a cure for disease.

How many things have the scientific community thought was true, only to learn they were wrong? And usually destroyed a lot of careers until it was finally accepted.

"Trust the Science" They say, while destroying you if you question it. Why trust people who are willing to destroy you? If something is good and true, it will become obvious.

Look at religion. Jesus himself was crucified because he taught things that rocked the boat of the establishment. Martin Luther rocked the boat of established beliefs. How many believers have been killed by the Establishment for serving God?

There's a difference between the puffed up knowledge of the learned, and the broken understanding of the prophet.

We are heading into a time of great deception. Jesus said, that it will be so bad that "Even the Elect" are in danger of being deceived. (Mark 13:20-23)

When the Establishment controls everything. When the Beast System is complete. Only the doctrine of the Establishment will be allowed to exist. All Professions, All Media, All Corporations, All Laws, Everything; will parrot the same ideologies, and you will not escape.

The brainwashing has been going on for a very long time. From childhood we are filled with the ideology of the New World Order to come. More and more psychological tricks and technologies will come into being to drive it into our brains.

We won't even be able to trust our own eyes, and ears and dreams. The intelligence of AI will be able to make arguments that cannot be refuted. All proof will turn to support the system. Deep Fakes will make us see things we cannot prove true or false. Virtual Reality will invade the reality.

The New World Religion to come, will give spiritual understanding that no one can deny with our fleshly mind.

It will draw away Christians into the Great Falling Away as the Anti-Christ makes war with the saints and overcomes them.(Rev. 13:7)

But, the Elect.

The true Elect who have turned to God and let Him save them and lead them into all truth with see through the deception. (1 John 2:27, John 16:12-15)

The Elect, who listen to the Holy Spirit and let Him grow them, having a relationship with the Lord.

By our testimonies we shall overcome Satan. Because what God has done for us in our lives cannot be taken from us or twisted into a lie. (Rev. 12:10-12)

Our testimony comes from our relationship, trust and faith in Him. It comes from knowing Him.

God is love.

God's wisdom is love.

Our flesh cannot comprehend it.

Only God in us can help us understand.

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Follow Him on Medium: https://chris-bunton.medium.com/

Read His Spiritual Writings on Blogger: https://chrisbunton.blogspot.com/

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Tuesday, July 16, 2024

What Is Godliness?

What Is Godliness?

Can We Be Like God?

Godliness, in a nut shell, is being like God.

Now this explanation can bring up some problems, because who can be like God?

No one.

But, it's about trying to be like Jesus. He is God.

It's about trying to be like our heavenly father.

Jesus is an image of our heavenly father. (John 8:12-59)

We can see His traits and know Him, through Christ.

It's not about being omnipresent or ruling over everything.

It's not about hellfire and brimstone.

But, it's about His character.

Jesus said, " He let's the sun rise on the evil and the good." ( Matthew 5:45)

He is good, and does good things. He doesn't destroy people every time they fail. He is long suffering.

He is kind. He seeks a relationship. He seeks to teach and to grow us.

God is Love.

He cares about His creation. He cares for the sparrow.

Jesus said, "what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?" (Matthew 7:7-12)

Godliness is not about obeying rules. It's about character. It's about doing the loving thing. The fatherly thing, and thereby obeying the rules as a by product.

God provided for Adam and Eve's needs in the Garden. They had everything they needed.

Even when they fell, God showed up and set them on the right path.

He told them, "on the day you eat of it you will surely die." ( Genesis 2:17)

But, made His days, a thousand years long. (2 Peter 3:8)

Adam lived 930 years. He died on that day.(Gen. 5:3-5)

And when he died he went to Paradise above.

Clothed in those skins God gave Him. Like God gives us Jesus.

God is good.

That is Godliness.

To know Him and be like Him.

It is to comfort those in need.

To give a drink of water.

To cloth the naked.

When He returns He will ask

"What did you do with the least of these?" Matthew 25:31-46)

What are you doing?

When we turn to Him and Confess Him as Lord.

When we are saved and Know Him.

When we walk with Him, like Adam in the coolness of the day.

We will desire to be like Him.

And He will work in us and through us to mold us into His likeness. (Romans 8:28-39)

In everything ask yourself, "What Would Jesus Do?" WWJD.

That is Godliness.

We cannot do it without His Spirit in us. We cannot do it without His salvation and sanctification.

Love people and be good to people.

That is Godliness.

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Friday, July 12, 2024

The Door

The Door

One Day The Door Will be Shut

Jesus said, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”—-John 10:9.

What does this mean?

Well it means that Jesus Christ and Him alone is the only way to enter into heaven. It means that once saved we receive freedom and blessing in Christ.

Let me explain.

Because of the fall of Adam, humans have become wicked. We have a corrupted nature which causes us to do terrible things. We cannot stop. We cannot get right. We don’t really even understand how bad we are. We are slaves to Sin and Satan.

So, God Himself came in the flesh. In the form of Jesus Christ to die and cleanse us of Sin. Then, rose from the dead for our Justification.

If we turn to Him, and ask Him He will save us, and wash us in His blood. It’s a sacrifice for us. Because without the spilling of blood, there is no remission of sins. (Heb. 9:22, Matt. 26:28)

But why?

Because we cannot enter heaven without being cleansed. Sin cannot be allowed to enter heaven, or else eternity would be as bad as this world is. Sin and our corrupted nature is like a plague, a spiritual virus or radiation. It kills us. It totally corrupts us and spreads. It is not just our actions, but it is something in us that makes us wicked.

Imagine that we are in a world where nuclear weapons went off and we must be decontaminated from radiation before we enter through the shelter door.

Jesus Christ is the door of that shelter.

He is the Blood of the Lamb on the Door. (Exodus Chapters 11 -12)

He is the Ark to save us from the destruction to come.

God offers complete Grace to anyone who turns to Him.

But, there’s a time limit. There’s a point in history when the end shall come, and that time is near.

Jesus said, “and this Gospel of the kingdom must first be preached in all the world, for a witness to all nations. And then the end shall come.” —Matthew 24:14.

There is a point where the Gospel ends. When God has turned from Savior, to Judge and King. A point when grace turns to judgement.

Jesus said, that His return will be as the days of Noah and Lot. (Luke 17.)

In both stories we see a door. (Gen. 6:16, Gen. 7:9-16, Gen 19:10-11)

In the story of Noah, God closes the door of the Ark, and no one else is getting in. Then, the Flood came.

In the story of Lot, The angels shut the door of the house, and the people outside were struck blind and could not find the door.

Jesus is the door.

In both cases the people behind the door are saved. They are protected through the destruction.

So, what does this all mean?

Well, it means that there will come a point when the chance to get on the Ark, will end.

There will come a point when the Gospel will end, and no one will get saved any more.

A point when anyone not saved will not be able to find the door. They will be blind to it.

That point will come when all nations have had the chance to hear. We do not know when or how or exactly what this means.

Then, Jesus will return and we who are saved, will be taken up to meet Him in the clouds. (1 Cor. 15:50-53, Matt. 24: 30-42)

Then comes Wrath.

I imagine that the ending of the Gospel, and His return will correspond with the final persecution of the church, and the great falling away.

I do not believe in the pre-trib rapture. In both stories, God’s people are made safe, just before the wrath. Just before the final stroke.

And no. The seven year tribulation is not God’s wrath. God’s wrath is poured out in one day. The Day of the Lord.

In the story of Lot and Noah. It didn’t take seven years to Flood the Earth. It did not take seven years for the fire to fall and destroy Sodom.

God’s Wrath is utter destruction poured out in one day, and then eternal hell and the Lake of Fire. Jesus promises us tribulation. But not wrath. (John 16:33, 1 Thess. 5:9)

Once the door is shut. There shall be time no more. That’s the end. Now comes wrath.

I suspect that when the Anti-Christ overcomes the saints, that will be the end of the restraining power and the end of the Gospel. (Rev. 13:7, 2 Thess. Chapter 2)

Paul says, “How shall they hear lest someone tells them.” (Romans 10:13-17)

The Holy Spirit in us, saves people and convicts them. But, if there’s no preachers, and no truth in the age of deception. If we are overcome, then the restraining power of the Holy Spirit and His Truth is gone.

The door will be shut.

The time draws near.

We need to turn to the Lord, and serve Him.

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Tuesday, July 9, 2024

...To Receive A Mark

A Message on the End Times

In Revelation chapter 13 we see the rise of the Anti-Christ, and the false prophet.

We see that the Anti-Christ, using Satan's power makes war against the Saints and overcomes them.

It's my opinion, written in other places, that this is the time of the Great Falling Away. This is the second cleansing of the temple, which is the body of Christ. The first came in the early church persecution. There will be a second great persecution which will drive all the false brethren out of the church. It will happen before or around the time of the Anti-Christ's rising. It is, the separating of the wheat and the chaff. The dividing of The Wheat and Tares. (Matt 3:12, Matthew Chapter 13)

The Anti-Christ, behind the scenes and with the spirit of antichrist overcomes the saints, and they are no longer able to be a restraining force. The Holy Spirit, in them is no longer able to restrain. He has been removed, effectively. He still remains in the saints but is no longer impacting humanity as before. The Spirit of Truth is removed. The times of deception are here. (2 Thess. Chapter 2, Daniel 7:21, Daniel 7 25, Rev. 13:7)

This allows the Anti-Christ to come on, full force. This also leads to the False Prophet, and the New World Religion, that will worship the Anti-Christ as God.

I do not believe in a pre-trib rapture. The Bible doesn't teach it. Believers will meet Him in the clouds when He returns. Whenever that may be. (1 Cor. 15:51-53, Matt. 24:30-31, Matt. 24:36,)

I'm also not going to force you to agree with what I'm saying, or say that I have it all figured out.

I don't.

I am NOT claiming to be prophesying. This is a possibility.

All I'm trying to do is point some things out, so that when the time comes, you are not deceived.

After the devastation of the four horsemen in Revelation, (Tribulation Matthew 24:29) persecution comes upon the saints. I think this is talking about the same "overcoming of the saints" spoken of in Daniel and Revelation 13. The fifth seal Revelation 6:9. Notice that the 6th seal describes Matthew 24:29. Notice that Revelation 12:10-11 uses the same basic language as Rev. 13:7

The persecution of the saints and growth of the Anti-Christ starts behind the scenes, until the saints are weak enough for the Anti-Christ to appear.

Now back to the point of this writing. The Mark.

Revelation 13 spells it out.

But, I want to show you some scripture, that might give us an idea of how this will happen.

In Genesis chapter 47 we see Joseph is ruler of Egypt under Pharoah.

Now you have to understand, this is a picture of these latter days.

Egypt is the world. Pharoah is Satan who is the god of this world (2 Cor 4:4). Joseph at this point is a picture of the Anti-Christ.

In other places, he is the picture of Christ. But, here he is the instead of Christ, or Anti. This shows that the Anti-Christ will probably call himself some kind of Christian. He will also probably be of Jewish decent, but he comes from "the sea" so He will be of the gentile masses as well. He will be the perfect mix of humanity. Here is a short story I wrote describing him in an interview.

Notice what the verses say in Genesis... "when money failed". This is an economic collapse. It is most likely a picture of the Black Horse to come. (Gen. 47:15, Rev. 6:5-6)

So, Joseph gets the people to trade everything they have for food. They trade lands and even their own selves. They give their souls.

In today's terms, it would be like saying, "there was an economic collapse and they received the Mark because they were starving and had no choice."

See it?

Now Pharoah (Satan) owns everything.

Notice two things. The priests kept their lands. And Joseph's family was given a special place. Notice also that the people who had given everything are forced to leave their homes and move into the cities. (Gen.47:21-22, )

This is probably a picture of the priests of the New World Religion, getting privileges because they accepted The Anti-Christ willingly before hand, and betrayed people. So, they get to keep their lands and get the Mark.

Also, Joseph making an agreement with his family and giving them a special place, is probably a picture of the peace agreement, between Anti-Christ and Israel. (Daniel 9:27) It could also be showing us that God protects His saints, and Israel.

I have always wondered how "The Mark" would work if the world was damaged and there were rural areas and 3rd world countries without the infrastructure to sustain the electronic means for the Mark.

But, if people are forced to move into the cities, that would explain it.

What I'm saying here probably doesn't happen in chronological order. A lot of it is happening simultaneously and grows from a slow walk to a full gallop, of the Four Horsemen.. Like the pains of a woman in travail. (Rev.Chapter 6, 1 Thess. 5:3. Rev 12, Rev. 12:11 Notice the wording, )

Just bear this in mind as the time draws near, and do not be deceived. When the economic collapse comes. And they want you to start turning stuff in. Realize that the Mark is close.

We see inflation rising, trillions in debt, the Dollar failing and possibly being removed as a reserve currency. It could be leading to an economic collapse. The Black Horse.

Also, realize that the spirit of antichrist has worked for a while to set up the system and move things along. Understand that the Anti-Christ is probably behind the scenes pulling strings long before we see him.

He does not appear to us until after the great falling away. (2 Thess. Chapter 2)

That's after he has driven the church into hiding, and all the false brethren have joined the Apostate church, or New World Religion.

It's getting closer.

Behold Jesus comes quickly.

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Thursday, July 4, 2024

Do Not Be Like Them

Do We Follow Evil Authority?

There’s a Christian concept that I have struggled with over the years.

It is the idea that believers are supposed to bow down to Authority. No matter how evil it is.

The concept comes from this verse,

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”—Romans 13:1-7

The idea being that God is all powerful, so He can choose who He wants to lead and has chosen this evil leader. So we as Christians must follow the leader. We must pay what we owe in taxes. We give them respect.

We continue to do good, because even an evil ruler would have a hard time punishing someone who is doing good.

The bottom line is that we are actually serving God, and answer to Him, not the evil ruler.

That’s the basic concept.

This doctrine has led to Christians following evil dictators, Nazis, and Communists and other wicked rulers. It has led to Christians allowing the most vile and evil things to occur, and even seem to endorse them. It has led to Christians supporting laws that are evil, such as slavery and genocide. All perfectly legal at the time. Even today Christians support laws that destroy peoples lives. All because it’s “The Law”.

This concept has led to Pastors, who betray church members and send them off to death camps. Right now, in countries like China, Pastors will report members who preach the true Gospel.

It has led to churches where Jesus Christ is only viewed as a good teacher, not as Lord. Because the leaders are snitches and the congregation is too afraid to speak out. They cannot get a license to be a church if they do not support the state sanctioned version of the church. This sort of thing is coming world wide.

According to the scriptures, there will be a last days persecution.

After or during the the time when the four horsemen are galloping around, Christians world wide will be blamed and killed. The Anti-Christ will rise up and make war with the Saints and kill them. (Revelation 6:1-11, Revelation 13:7, Daniel 7:25)

Terrible things have happened in history and will happen again.

So, it behooves a believer to understand some things about this doctrine.

You cannot base a doctrine on one verse, or one segment. But you must base doctrine on the entirety of scripture. Being led by the Holy Spirit to make wise loving decisions on things.

It’s my belief that God created the concept of authority. It’s from God. But, authority is supposed to rule with love and wisdom. Since it’s from God.

God gives them the chance to do good and succeed, but they fail to various degrees. Government is full of humans, and they sin. They fail, they get it it wrong. They have free will. They choose to do evil, despite the fact that God gave them power so they could do good. It proves that humans are fallen, and even when we have the power to do good, we choose to do evil. Evil rulers prove that we need God to rule. Whether it’s our own lives or the lives of others.

Realize, that oftentimes a people will get the leaders they deserve. You cannot get a good leader from an evil people. Because the leaders come from the people. Ever since the day the child was born, they have been influenced by the culture. They are tainted. It takes a great person (or God in them, or with them.) to overcome the culture and to do good despite the evil. Remember that evil becomes good and good becomes evil, in a fallen culture.

As believers we are in this world and are called to serve God in it. No matter how evil a ruler is, we are called to serve God, in love.

We can gain great spiritual blessings in persecutions from evil. Jesus said we are blessed. (Matt. 5:11-12)

But, how do we live under wicked rulers?

One of the verses I stand on is …… “Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.”—(Matthew 23:1-3)

When you are faced with evil rulers, we are called to obey them, but not to be evil like them. That means we reject the evil. We reject the lies and false. But, still obey their authority.

What does this mean? How does it work?

Well, you need to be Spirit led, and refuse to do anything that is evil. Even suffering punishment because of it.

This applies to all levels of authority.

History shows us that persecution actually comes from the people around us. Even our own Pastors and brethren. As stated before, the churches throughout history have been full of people who will snitch on you and have you killed.

Scriptures show that there are false brethren. (2 Cor. 11:23-28, Gal. 2:1-5)

People who claim to know Christ but do not.

Our churches are full of them. Persecution helps to weed them out. It’s hard to claim to know Jesus when they kill you for it. So false brethren, twist your church to where you can still be a part of it, but not really serve Christ. It’s happening more and more. A place of entertainment and good moral teaching… Like the state supported churches in China, while the real believers are underground and persecuted.

There will be false teachers. False prophets and preachers or pastors.

We are warned of this, in these last days.

Jesus said to beware the false teachings of the Pharisees.

The Pharisees and Sadducees were the leaders. Understand that nobody listens to the weird guy in the basement. False teaching and false doctrine comes from people in authority. …( Matthew 16:6-12)

He said, “By their fruits ye shall know them…”—(Matthew 7:15-20)

What fruits? What false teachings?

False teachings has two aspects. Either they are teaching a works based doctrine. Or reject the divinity of Christ. Or a mixture of both.

They teach good morals and the law. Or that Jesus Christ was just a good man, or teacher, or never really mention Him. They also reject the Holy Spirit or never speak of Him. Believers, have the Spirit, and are led by Him.

You are not saved by Works. Only Christ alone, and He is Lord. When we are saved we are filled with the Spirit and are changed by Him and led by Him.

The fruits, are the fruits of the Spirit…”But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”—(Gal. 5:22-23)

Fruits are not sin. All humans sin. But, not all humans, have the Holy Spirit, who brings those fruits out in us.

If they aren’t serving in love, joy and peace, you might want to question their fruits.

How do they treat you and others? Do they love you? Do they show it? Have they driven good people from your church?

We are called to forgive, but not to support evil.

Paul says there is no fellowship with demons or Belial. No agreement with the sons of deception. (2 Cor. 6:14-18)

So, when a leader, or false brethren or pastor has worked to destroy your life, their fruits reveal them. When people are driven from the church do you believe “They didn’t really love Jesus?” or do you believe that maybe the leadership didn’t love them? Both are possible.

We might need to obey them, because they hold authority, but we are not supposed to be like them. We are not to partake of their false doctrines. We are not to have fellowship with them. A little leaven leavens the whole lump.

If they have done us wrong. We should go to them if the Spirit leads. Then, take them to 2 or 3 others. Then before the church.–(Matt. 18:15-17)

Then if they don’t stop. Treat them as a heathen and publican.

Forgive them. Love them. Pray for them, but do not fellowship with them. Do not let them drag you into their evil.

We are not talking about sins. But, fruits. If you focus on sins, you will reject certain sins while ignoring others. You will drive out one sinner while accepting another. You will reject the person who got pregnant out of wedlock, while accepting the person so full of pride they cannot admit they are wrong. You will reject the divorced person, while loving the Gossip. You will reject the addict while loving the glutton, because they can cook great fried chicken. So focus on love, not sins. Love them, and help them to love you.

God has given us the Holy Spirit to help us and guide us into all truth. We have the Word, but the Spirit helps us to apply it in wisdom and love.

We are going to need to learn to listen to the Holy Spirit in these last days. As brother turns on brother and delivers them unto death. The deception will be so bad that only the Holy Spirit will be able to guide us through. Do you plan to obey the Anti-Christ because he is in authority? You best learn how to follow the Spirit today, or you will be full of confusion on that day.

The time draws near and believers need to draw closer to God. Our faith is grown the more we trust God. We need to make sure we have the oil of faith in our lamps.

He is coming. But, not when they tell you.

BIO: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet and blogger from Southern Illinois. He has published in several magazines, and has written a poetry eBook called “Against the Man” and an Addiction Recovery eBook called “Made Free: Overcoming Addiction“ His newest book is called “The Future is Coming” and is a collection of dystopian short stories.

Follow Him on Medium: https://chris-bunton.medium.com/

Read His Spiritual Writings on Blogger: https://chrisbunton.blogspot.com/

Follow Him on Free Life Blog: https://myfreelifeblog.com/

Buy a cup of Coffee

Support the work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13514235&fan_landing=true&view_as=public

Photos by the Author.

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

God's Goodness

He Does Not Leave Us Alone In Darkness

There are times in my walk with God, when I am just beat down.

Times when I feel like nobody hears what I’m saying. Times when nothing seems to work and everything is against me.

It’s during these times, that I just want to quit. Quit everything.

But, then God comes.

He shows up and speaks.

It might be a word of encouragement. A person who pops up out of the blue and says, “What you said, helped me.”

It might be a verse of scripture that comes to life in me.

It could be a blessing, or an answered prayer, like cool drink on a hot day.

Things that let me know I’m not wasting my time. That I’m where God wants me to be, and is using me.

And that’s God.

Paul said, …”that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” (Romans 2:4)

And it is.

If God was a hateful, judging monster, nobody would turn to Him.

But, He is not.

He works with us in this corrupted world, and in our weakness and failures, to provide light and love, at the exact moment to help us go forward a little more.

He told Abraham, “come unto a place that I will show you.” (Gen. 12:1 )

And Abraham trusted God. He believed His Word, and he went. Not knowing exactly where.

But, I’m sure that God gave him blessings and encouragement and light. Just when Abraham needed it.

And it built faith.

We are saved by God’s Grace, through faith. And even our faith is grown by God.

There is no such thing as blind faith with God. He prepares us. He walks with us, and encourages us.

He appears and brings the sweet blessings of His presence into our lives. We know He is there. We can almost touch Him.

And that peace comes. The peace that defies all understanding.

“And we know that all things work together for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.”..(Romans 8:28)

If you know God, you were called. He desires to commune with you. He seeks to have a relationship with you.

He brings goodness into our lives, in the midst of the darkness and it’s at those times that real praise and real worship spring forth. Not because we desire it. But, because He creates it in us.

And it’s then. In His presence. and in the light of His goodness and love, that I see how wretched I am.

I see the awful things I’ve said. The mean things I’ve thought. The unkindness I’ve displayed.

And I see that I don’t deserve good things. I don’t deserve love.

But, God comes anyway.

He loves me anyway, and it makes me want to do better for Him. It makes me want to be like Him, and serve Him. It makes me want to love others and drive back the darkness of this world so others, can experience that love, joy, goodness and peace which comes from Him.

It’s not rules, and hell fire preaching, and accountability from men that drives me to God.

It is God Himself and His awesome goodness.

The One who came down to pull me from the pit of death.

Am I reflecting Him?

Am I a vessel for His goodness and love?

I fail.

But, in my failure and weakness He still comes and pours out His Grace.

Taste and see that the Lord is Good.

He is the greatest thing.

There is nothing to compare.

He calls you to know him.

Follow Him on Medium: https://chris-bunton.medium.com/

Read His Spiritual Writings on Blogger: https://chrisbunton.blogspot.com/

Follow Him on Free Life Blog: https://myfreelifeblog.com/

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Support the work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13514235&fan_landing=true&view_as=public

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